Montage Health Invests $15 Million in Cal State Monterey Bay Nursing Programs
Montage Health has committed $15 million to Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) to expand nursing education and address critical healthcare workforce shortages in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. The investment will establish the Montage Health Helen Baszucki School of Nursing and support the development of both Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.
Addressing the Nursing Shortage
The donation aims to alleviate the significant nursing shortage in the region. According to CSUMB, there are approximately 159 fewer nurses than needed in Monterey County alone. KSBW reports that the funding is considered a “game changer” for the university’s nursing program.
New Programs and School Establishment
This investment will enable CSUMB to launch its first pre-licensure BSN program on the Monterey Peninsula, as well as establish a new MSN program. The BSN program will provide a pathway for students to become licensed Registered Nurses (RNs), even as the MSN program will offer opportunities for current RNs to pursue graduate degrees. The Monterey Herald notes that the CSU Board of Trustees formally approved the school’s naming on March 11, 2026.
Funding Allocation
The $15 million will be allocated to several key areas, including:
- Hiring additional faculty and staff
- Purchasing new equipment
- Building a new nursing lab
- Campus renovations
These improvements are designed to enhance the learning environment and increase the number of qualified nursing graduates.
Community Benefit Program
The funding originates from Montage Health’s Community Benefit program, which reinvests in the well-being of the local community. Monica Sciuto, a Montage Health spokesperson, stated that the investment comes directly from these Community Benefit funds through the Helen Baszucki Center for Nursing Excellence.
Expected Outcomes
CSUMB anticipates graduating approximately 40 additional nursing students each year, in addition to the 115 students currently enrolled in the program. A public celebration of the partnership is scheduled for April 9, 2026, at CSUMB.
Student and University Perspectives
Students have expressed enthusiasm about the increased opportunities the new programs will provide. Phillip Post, Dean of Science and Human Services at CSUMB, highlighted that the pre-licensure program will open up another pathway for students with associate degrees in nursing from community colleges. Monterey County Now reported that CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones emphasized the expansion of access to essential healthcare careers.